Perfect storm could finally help Reds unload struggling trade candidate

It’s starting to feel like the Cincinnati Reds are lying to themselves when it comes to Alexis Díaz. After a disastrous start to the 2025 season, the former All-Star closer finds himself not just off the mound at Great American Ballpark, but off the major league roster entirely.

Díaz was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on May 1 after coughing up eight earned runs — including a staggering four home runs across just six innings of work. His bloated 12.00 ERA and 2.17 WHIP tell the story of a pitcher completely out of sync.

Yet, despite the stat line, the Reds' public messaging has remained oddly optimistic. The front office continues to preach patience, framing this as a rough patch for a pitcher they still “believe in.” But let’s call it like it is — Díaz is on borrowed time in Cincinnati.

Alexis Díaz has fallen out of favor with the new Reds coaching staff

Díaz’s fall from grace has been both rapid and truly painful to watch. Not long ago, he was locking down games with one of the nastiest sliders in the National League, saving 37 games in 2023 and establishing himself as a key bullpen piece. But since then, the results have fallen off a cliff. His command has completely abandoned him, his velocity is down, and he’s gone from a strikeout machine to a contact-heavy arm getting punished by hitters.

His latest meltdown where he surrendered five runs and three home runs to the St. Louis Cardinals felt like the final straw. And in fairness, it should have been. The Reds promptly sent him down and promoted Luis Mey signaling that Cincinnati is moving forward whether Díaz figures it out or not.

Here’s where the Reds front office needs to take a hard look in the mirror. The trade deadline is shaping up to be a seller’s market for bullpen arms. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, contenders are already scouring rosters looking to shore up their late-inning options for their stretch run. 

The Reds should strike a deal featuring Alexis Díaz while the trade market is hot

Let’s be honest — Díaz no longer looks like a trustworthy bullpen piece for the Reds. But his track record and manageable $4.5 million salary make him an intriguing reclamation project for a contender willing to bet on a bounce-back. His 2023 resumé still holds weight in front offices looking for any edge where they can get it.

The Reds would be foolish not to capitalize on any interest before his value completely evaporates. Waiting for Díaz to “find it” in Louisville is a gamble that could cost them any return whatsoever. There’s nothing wrong with selling low if the alternative is eventually cutting bait for nothing.

Sure, no one wants to give up on a former star. But if another club is willing to take on Díaz’s salary and give Cincinnati even a mid-level prospect or organizational depth in return, it’s a deal the Reds should make without hesitation.

Cincinnati has nothing to gain by clinging to the past. They need to accept that Díaz’s best days in a Reds uniform are likely behind him. The market is heating up, and if Cincinnati plays it smart, they can turn a declining asset into future value.

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